Lincoln, NE – This was a busy week in the Legislature, we spend our mornings on the floor debating bills and committee hearings began in the afternoon. Thursday, January 19th, was the last day of bill introduction. Now my colleagues and I will be focused on providing each of the bills introduced this session with a public hearing.
This week, Chief Justice Mike Heavican addressed the Legislature in the annual State of the Judiciary speech. The Chief Justice provided a report on the Supreme Court’s programs with the elderly and children, and how the court’s budget is managed through technological updates. Last year a major issue across the state was reforming the adult guardianship system in Nebraska. The Legislature passed LB157 that provides more protections for our elderly, particularly since the elderly population is expected to grow dramatically in coming years. The court system is very involved in the child welfare process and has been diligently working with the Health and Human Services Committee to improve the state’s foster care system. Finally, the Chief Justice highlighted technological advances the court system has made in order to deal with budget cuts over the last several years. He mentioned the work of our county officials and staff who work tirelessly to ensure all Nebraskans have access to the court system.
An important decision was made this week by the federal government that will likely have a significant impact on Nebraska. President Barack Obama, based on a recommendation from the U.S. State Department, made the decision to deny the permit for the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline. The official reason given was that the February 21st deadline to make a decision was too short of a time line, particularly given the route change in Nebraska. I believe the reason for this decision was political in nature which is disappointing.
During the Special Session, my colleagues and I put significant measures in place to protect our natural resources. In that process, TransCanada agreed to move the proposed pipeline out of the Nebraska Sandhills. After the Special Session, Nebraska agencies quickly went to work to begin our environmental study. Right now the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Governor Dave Heineman are trying to determine next steps. I will make sure to provide updates on this important issue as I learn of them.
There are several upcoming committee hearings that I think would be of interest to residents of District 43. On Thursday, January 26th, at 1:30 PM the Health and Human Services Committee will hold hearings for LB957 and LB961, two bills introduced to reform the child welfare system. I believe this is one of the biggest issues facing the Legislature this session and I would appreciate hearing from you about the proposed solutions. LB957 would create the position of Inspector General for child services. This position would be appointed for a term of five years and be required to investigate allegations of misconduct in the foster care system. LB961 would return case management of the child welfare system back to the state by September 1st. My office has received several calls and letters from constituents concerned about this issue and I encourage you to monitor the progress of these bills.
On that same day, the Revenue Committee, of which I am a member, will hear LB970 which is the proposal to terminate the inheritance tax and change income tax rates. I hope to see many citizens attend the hearing and share their thoughts on this important legislation. To follow the progress of these bills or any others you are interested in, please visit the Legislature’s website at www.nebraskalegislature.gov.
As always, thank you for sharing in our legislative process, and I’ll visit with you again next week.
Deb Fischer
Senator, District 43